PCPA denies hand in train derailment, alleges CPI-M role

Amidst allegations that the People's Committee against Police Atrocities played a role in Jnaneswari Express derailment, the Maoist-backed organisation today denied any involvement in the incident and charged the CPI-M with "hatching the plot".

"We have no intention to target trains and we condemn and mourn such a colossal loss of civilian lives," PCPA convener, Asit Mahato told PTI over telephone and charged the CPI-M "with hatching the plot".

A day after the state police claimed to have identified two persons of the PCPA recently released on bail having a hand in the derailment of the train's 13 coaches, Mahato said, "Politically motivated statements are being issued to separate us from the masses."

"We will take out a procession in the Jangalmahal to mourn the dead in the train disaster. We strongly condemn such acts which take lives of common, innocent men and we express deep shock," Mahato said.

Countering police's claim, the PCPA leader named four CPI-M district and local leaders and alleged "Under their leadership, the CPI-M has opened camps in the last 15 days at Burjoli, Kolla, Patri and Dahimara villages close to Sardiha where the express train derailed."

The mishap that occurred in the wee hours Friday has claimed 148 lives so far.